River Poem by Mahfooz Ali

I am a river with the strength of sky and earth;
Once, a stream who deemed to play every day since birth;
Just a small ripple, a trickle, under the sun;
With nothing to do but bubble, giggle and run.

Now, I am a river; grown, wider, wiser, with time.
In youth, I sought truth, alone in snow coated pine;
So long ago, it all seems to float like a dream;
Drifting, fond memories of my life as a stream.

Yes, I am a river, strong and free, yet I wonder;
Why am I destined so boldly to wander?
Why do I meander?
Why do I turn and twist?
There are no answers; even to why I exist!

I am a river; and very proud that I am!
Nothing blocks my way for long; not even a dam.
The stubborn rocks and rubble on my course or path
Are all swepth aside by the force of my wrath.

I am a river that only Earth, itself, can stop!
I will roll on and on until the day I drop,
Rushing, cascading into blue lake or the sea,
Where sun or God will renew and recycle me!




14/Sep'/2006